Sediment control device and system

ABSTRACT

Sediment control devices and systems are provided. The devices are in the form of a multi-layered, fillable bag which generally includes an inner bag structured to contain a granular material, for example, gravel or stone, a separate reinforcement layer located outwardly of the inner bag, and a and an outer layer enclosing the reinforcement layer and having a sealable opening providing access to the inner bag. The devices may be provided pre-filled with the granular material. The devices provide an effective, durable system for filtering runoff water, controlling erosion and/or controlling sedimentation at a construction sight.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/340,169, filed on Jan. 25, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/088,396, filed on Mar. 23, 2005, nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,012,869, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/445,968, filed May 27, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.6,905,289, the entire disclosure of each of which being incorporatedherein by this reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to sediment control devices andsystems useful for controlling soil erosion and sedimentation, forexample resulting from construction activities.

Silt barriers, sandbags and concrete blocks are some of the many devicescurrently being used to control soil erosion and sedimentation resultingfrom industrial activities, such as construction projects and the like.Industrial activities such as highway and housing construction projectsand the like, disturb and loosen soil, which is then vulnerable to beingwashed downstream during rains. The cumulative effect of theseactivities is a build-up of soil and other matter in waterways. Thisbuildup of soil is generally known as sedimentation. Excessivesedimentation in waterways can destroy fish habitats, suffocate trees,clog streams, obstruct storm drains and culverts, pollute waterways, andcause other serious damage to the environment. Other detriments causedby excessive sedimentation include flooding, cost of repairing flooddamage, expense of dredging estuaries and lakes, among others.

In addition to sediment loading, other pollutants are also generatedfrom land disturbance associated with construction projects. The CleanWater Act defines point source pollutants to include storm waterdischarge from such industrial activities as construction. As a result,an increased number of state environmental regulations have addressedthe mitigation of construction site runoff and a variety of new erosioncontrol methods have been proposed and implemented.

Construction activities related to building roads and highways, floodcontrol projects, and land development for residential and commercialgrowth contribute sediments, organic matter, nutrients, metals, andother types of pollutants to water bodies. It is believed that sedimentis the major pollutant associated with construction related activities,representing approximately 4-5% of the nation's sediment load toadjacent and downstream receiving waters.

Conventionally, sandbags have been used to supplemental other soilcontrol measures, such as the installation of silt fencing, catch basinsand the like. Conventional sandbags are inexpensive and convenient toinstall and are often placed adjacent disturbed areas to block sedimentfrom entering drainage areas. Sandbags can also be used to divertflowing water to a stable drainage outlet. The most commonly used bagsare untreated burlap sacks available at feed or hardware stores. Suchbags are filled with sand to form a sandbag. Sandbag barriers aretypically constructed on site by two people. A typical filled sandbagweighs around 30 to 40 pounds and can be dragged or carried by a singleperson.

Although they are convenient to install, the use of conventionalsandbags in or around construction sites suffers significant drawbacks.For example, the bags regularly burst when run over by machinery orconstruction vehicles. For obvious reasons, broken sandbags willexacerbate sedimentation problems if not removed promptly. The usefullife of a sandbag is estimated to be about 2 weeks on a typicalconstruction site.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

New sediment control devices and systems have been discovered. Thepresent invention provides highly effective, durable and convenientdevices and systems for sedimentation and erosion control. For example,the present devices can be used in place of conventional sandbags,without suffering the drawbacks associated therewith. The presentdevices and systems effectively control sedimentation resulting fromsoil erosion, for example as a result of construction site activitiesand the like.

The devices and systems of the invention are useful for controllingerosion and preventing sedimentation of waterways, for example bydiverting flowing water, and/or blocking, filtering and/or removingsediment from a water flow, for example from an area under construction.

Advantageously, the present invention is useful in place of, or as anaddition to, conventional sandbagging practices, but with substantiallybetter results than sandbagging alone. For example, the presentinvention is useful for diverting rising floodwater away from homes orbuilding structures, and preventing oversaturation of and erosion ofhillside slopes.

The present invention is suitable for meeting various erosion controlrequirements using practices which are substantially analogous toconventional techniques, for example, conventional sandbaggingtechniques and practices. Necessary or desirable adaptations of thedevices and systems of the present invention for specific purposes willbe readily appreciated by those of skill in the art.

Accordingly, devices and systems useful for controlling soil erosion andsedimentation are provided. In accordance with the invention, devicesare provided which generally comprise composite bags including multiplelayers of different materials and a gravel core enclosed within thelayers of materials. More particularly, the present devices preferablygenerally comprise a core, a compressible layer substantiallysurrounding the core, and an outer layer enclosing the compressiblelayer.

Preferably, the core comprises a relatively dense granular material.More preferably, the core comprises a gravel filling. Even morepreferably, the core comprises a filling of substantially non-angulargravel particles. For example, the gravel filling comprises smooth edgedpeat gravel. In one embodiment of the invention, the core comprises aninner enclosure, for example, an inner bag, for example made of ageotextile material, or other suitable porous, high strength material,confining or enclosing the granular material.

Preferably, the compressible layer substantially surrounds the core andcomprises for example a fibrous layer made of natural or syntheticfibers. The compressible layer may comprise for example, wood fibers,for example, but not limited to aspen wood fibers. The compressiblelayer may comprise a fibrous blanket, for example a commerciallyavailable excelsior blanket, that is wrapped about the core.

The outer layer preferably comprises a nonwoven or woven geotextilematerial secured about and substantially enclosing the permeablematerial. For example, the outer layer preferably comprises a highstrength, durable fabric, for example a woven fabric of monofilament ofmultifilament thread. The outer layer is sewn at edges thereof, forminga casing for the permeable layer. In one especially advantageousembodiment of the invention, the device includes a substantially squaredportion on at least one end thereof in order to effectively seal thedevice against a structural surface, for example, a curb surface.

Advantageously, the device may be structured to filter and separatesediment contained in water that passes into and through the device. Forexample, the compressible layer may be a water permeable material thatis effective in trapping coarse grained sediment that enters the device.The core is preferably structured to capture sediment, such as finegrained particles such as silt.

Preferably, none of the internal components of the present inventioninclude sharp, jagged edges. The devices of the present invention arehighly resistant to breakage, even when used in a high traffic area of aconstruction site. For example, the devices of the present invention,when used in place of conventional sandbags, have been found to have alonger useful life than conventional sandbags, for example, having auseful life of up to at least about 1 month up to about 6 months ormore, whereas conventional sandbags typically have an expected usefullife of only two weeks, when used in a similar setting or in anidentical application.

In addition, the present devices are convenient to use. For example, thepresent devices are preferably sufficiently small in size and/or lightin weight such as to enable lifting one of the devices by a singleindividual. The present devices are easily transportable, and can beused in any desired quantity and in various stacking configurations, forexample, in a manner analogous to the use of conventional sandbags,depending on the application involved.

In another embodiment of the invention, the devices are fillable and areprovided without the granular material, but are structured to enable anend user or consumer to fill the device with a desired granularmaterial. For example, the sediment control device may comprise an innermember structured to be effective in substantially confining a granularmaterial, the inner member including an openable portion for enablingfilling of the inner member with such a granular material, acompressible layer, for example, excelsior, straw or other suitablematerial, substantially surrounding the inner member, and an outermember substantially surrounding the compressible layer and including asealable portion positioned to facilitate access to the flexible memberopenable portion. Preferably, the openable portion of the inner memberis sealable. Further, the outer member sealable portion may besubstantially aligned with the inner member openable portion tofacilitate access to and filling or the inner member.

In another aspect of the invention, erosion control and/or filteringdevices are provided which comprise a fillable bag including an openableportion for enabling filling of the bag with a granular material, and alongitudinal seam portion extending along a length of the bag. The bagcomprises an inner layer, an outer layer located outwardly of the innerlayer, and a reinforcement layer disposed between the inner layer andthe outer layer and including opposing longitudinal edges separated fromone another by a gap in the reinforcement layer.

In some embodiments, the inner layer and the outer layer are made of thesame material, for example, a woven fabric, for example, a wovengeotextile fabric. The reinforcement layer provides a punctureresistant, high strength material that prevents the gravel within thebag from tearing the bag. The gap in the reinforcement layer iseffective to facilitate impact absorption by enabling stretching at theseams thereof. The reinforcement layer may comprise a polymer gridmaterial, for example, an extruded polymer grid material.

The gap in the reinforcement layer may extend at least a major portionof the length of the bag, for example, along a full length of the bag.The gap in the reinforcement element may be generally aligned with theseam portion. The gap may have a width in a range of about one inch andabout 0.5 inch.

Advantageously, the reinforcement layer provides the device withexcellent tear resistance. Further, the gap in the reinforcement elementforms a longitudinal region of the bag that is significantly morestretchable, relative to other longitudinal regions of the bag in whichthe reinforcement element crosses. This stretchable region allows thebag to expand and resist breakage, for example, when the bag is in useat a construction site and is subjected to repeated and/or forcefulimpacts.

In the embodiments of the invention including the reinforcement layer,the device may include, but does not necessarily include, thecompressible layer as described and shown elsewhere herein.

Any and all features described herein and combinations of such featuresare included within the scope of the present invention provided that thefeatures of any such combination are not mutually inconsistent.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent hereinafter, particularly when consideredin conjunction with the following claims, detailed description anddrawings in which like parts bear like reference numerals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a sediment control device inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a system of the present invention forcontrolling sedimentation and erosion utilizing a plurality of devicessimilar to the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 duringassembly thereof including a core and a compressible layer.

FIG. 4 shows a-perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1 having anouter layer partially removed in order to reveal the compressible layerencased therein.

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view an embodiment of the invention having asquared edge feature.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective, partially cross-sectional view of anotherembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of yet another embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 shows a partially cut-away view of the embodiment shown in FIG.7.

FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 7 after filling thereof with a granular material.

FIG. 10 shows a partially cut away, perspective view of an embodiment ofthe invention comprising a package of erosion control products.

FIG. 11 shows a partially cut-away perspective view of anotherembodiment of the invention which includes a reinforcement layer.

FIG. 12 shows a partially cut-away perspective view of anotherembodiment of the invention which includes a reinforcement layer and acompressible layer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Turning now to FIG. 1, a device for controlling sedimentation anderosion in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at10.

A system 12 in accordance with the invention generally comprising aplurality of such devices 10 is shown in FIG. 2. Without intending tolimit the scope of the present invention, the system 12 is shown beingemployed for diverting and filtering water flow that is passing into astorm drain 14 located at a bottom of a slope adjacent a constructionsite.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 10 generally comprises a core20 (not visible in FIG. 4), a compressible layer 24 substantiallysurrounding the core 20, and an outer layer 28 (not shown in FIG. 3)enclosing the compressible layer 24.

Preferably, the core 20 comprises a granular material, such as anaggregate of sand, gravel, and/or crushed stone, for example, crushedgranite and/or limestone.

More preferably, at least a major portion, that is, about 50% or higher,or substantially all of the granular material comprises granules 30having substantially non-angular shapes, for example, substantiallysmooth or rounded shapes. In other words, at least a major portion ofthe granular material preferably mostly comprises granules 30 that haverelatively low abrasion characteristics. For example, the granularmaterial may comprise a natural rock-based polished gravel material, ora synthetic equivalent thereof. In one very useful embodiment, a majorportion of or all of the granular material in the core 20 comprises peatgravel, for example but not limited to peat gravel having an averagegranule diameter of between about 0.2 inches and about 0.5 inches.

Preferably, the core 20 further comprises an inner enclosure 34confining the granular material 30. The inner enclosure 34 may comprisea fabric material, for example a high strength, puncture resistantgeotextile material. Preferably, the inner enclosure material is a hightensile strength and substantially puncture resistant, porous material.For example, the inner enclosure material may comprise a non-wovenpolypropylene geotextile having a high tensile strength, such as Mirafi7N-Series Non-Woven Geotextile. For example, the geotextile material iscut and stitched together to form a pocket enclosure which is filledwith the granular material 30 and sewn shut.

The compressible layer 24 may comprise any suitable compressiblematerial. In one very useful embodiment, the compressible layer 24 iseffective to absorb, or lessen, a shock of impact on the device 10, forexample when the device 10 is impacted by a vehicle, machinery,construction equipment and the like. For example, the device 10 ispreferably structured such that the compressible layer 24 functions, atleast in part, as a buffering element between the core 20 and the outerlayer 28 such that upon the device 10, upon being overrun byconstruction vehicles and/or other heavy equipment, becomes compressed,causing air within the compressible layer 24 to be forced out throughthe outer layer 28. Upon the compressive load being removed from thedevice 10, the compressible layer 24 substantially recovers andsubstantially regains its original volume and shape in the uncompressedstate. The device 10 thereby resists tearing, breakage, and/or otherwisebeing rendered ineffective for use, for example, even when the device 10is subjected to relatively heavy usage.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the compressible layer 24preferably comprises a fibrous material made of natural or syntheticnon-woven fibers 36. The compressible layer may comprise for example,excelsior, straw, wood fibers, for example, but not limited, to aspenwood fibers. For example, a major portion of the fibers 36 making up thecompressible layer 24 are curled wood fibers having a minimum length ofat least about six inches allowing each of the fibers to interlock withone or more other of the fibers.

Preferably, as shown in FIG. 3, the compressible layer 24 comprises afibrous blanket 38, for example but not limited to a rolled, stitchedexcelsior blanket. Preferably, the blanket 38 has a length sufficient toenable the blanket 38 to be wrapped about the core 30 at least once, andmore preferably about two or more times. The compressible layer 24 maycomprise, for example a continuous, fibrous blanket wrapped about thecore (as shown diagrammatically by arrow 40 in FIG. 3).

An example of a blanket suitable for this aspect of the presentinvention is a Curlex7 I Stitched erosion control blanket manufacturedby the American Excelsior Company in Arlington, Tex.

Persons of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that there are manysuitable alternative materials that can be used for the compressiblelayer 24 within the scope of the present invention.

The outer layer 28 of the device 10 (not shown in FIG. 3) encases thecompressible layer 24 and preferably comprises a porous material,preferably a water permeable material. The outer layer may comprise anatural material or a synthetic material.

In one particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the outerlayer 28 comprises a geotextile material, preferably a punctureresistant, high tensile strength geotextile material. Geotextilematerials are well known and are generally understood to includepermeable fabrics manufactured for use in geotechnicalengineering-applications. Geotextiles are generally made of syntheticmaterials, for example polypropylene, polyester, polyamide and/orpolyethylene, that are formed into fabrics and are woven, non-woven, orcombinations of woven and non-woven. As a specific example of thepresent invention, not intended to be limiting the scope of the presentinvention, the outer layer 28 comprises a Mirafi®-Series Non-WovenPolypropylene Geotextile material.

The inner enclosure 34 and the outer layer 28 may comprise substantiallyequivalent or the same materials.

Alternatively, the outer layer 28 may comprise sackcloth or a burlapmaterial.

Construction of the present device 10 may be accomplished as follows.The core 20 is constructed by depositing a desired amount of granularmaterial 30 into a casing that forms the inner enclosure. The opening ofthe inner enclosure is stitched closed in order to prevent the granularmaterial from spilling therefrom. The core 20 is then placed on an endportion 48 of an unrolled excelsior blanket 38 as shown in FIG. 3. Thecore 20 and blanket 38 are then rolled, for example in direction shownby arrow 40, thereby causing the core 20 to be enwrapped by severallayers of the compressible layer material. The core 20 and compressiblelayer 24 are then placed into an open end of a casing that forms theouter layer 28 and the open end of the outer layer is sewn shut, therebyforming device 10.

In another aspect of the present invention, a system 12 for controllingsedimentation and erosion is provided, for example as shown in FIG. 2.The system 12 comprises a plurality of the devices 10 as described indetail elsewhere herein. As shown, the devices 10 are designed to beplaced side-by-side and/or layered on top of one another in any desiredconfiguration, for example, adjacent a storm drain. Preferably, eachindividual device 10 is sized to be easily dragged and/or lifted by oneadult person.

Advantageously, the devices 10 of the present invention resist breaking,even when subjected to the harsh conditions associated with heavily usedconstruction sites. Surprisingly, the present devices have been found tolast up to about six months or more when used in conditions that wouldrequire sandbag replacement in only two weeks.

The present devices 10 and systems 12 function as effective filters ofsediment contained in water that passes through the devices 10 orsystems 12. Fine silt tends to become trapped within the core 20. Largerparticulate matter tends to become trapped within the compressible layer24.

Turning now to FIG. 5, another device for controlling sedimentation anderosion in accordance with the present invention is shown generally at110. Except as expressly described herein, device 110 is similar todevice 10. Features of device 110 which correspond to features of device10 are designated by corresponding reference numerals increased by 100.

The most significant difference between device 10 and device 110 is thatdevice 110 includes a substantially squared edge portion 70 that isstructured to enhance the fit of the device 100 against a gutter orcurb. Preferably, the squared edge portion 70 is provided along at leastone of a length and a width of the device 110, and more preferably alongat least a width of the device 110 as shown. This may be accomplished byproviding, for example by sewing, at least one additional seam 74 intothe outer layer 128 of the device 110 in order to form the substantiallysquared edge portion 70. Other embodiments of the invention may includesubstantially squared edge portions along more than one of the edges ofthe device 110, for example along each length and width of the device110.

FIG. 6 shows yet another device 210 in accordance with the presentinvention. Except as expressly described herein, device 210 is similarto device 10 and device 110. Features of device 210 which correspond tofeatures of device 10 and device 110 are designated by correspondingreference numerals increased by 200 and 100 respectively.

With reference to FIG. 6, the device 210 is sized and structured to beplaced generally around a perimeter, for example a substantiallyentirely full or complete perimeter of a storm drain (not shown), forexample in a curved fashion. Thus, it can be appreciated that device 210may be made available in a plurality of sizes in order to accommodatevarious sizes of storm drains or other applications to which the device210 may be suitable.

Like devices 10 and 110, device 210 is preferably a multilayeredstructure comprising a core 220 having a granular material 230 enclosedwithin an inner enclosure 234, a compressible layer 224, and an outerlayer 228. As shown, device 210 is elongated and somewhat cylindrical inform and is structured to be sufficiently flexible in order to allowplacement of the device 210 in the form of a desired configuration. Forexample, the flexibility of device 210 is preferably sufficient to allowplacement of the device 210 in at least one of a C-shaped configuration(shown), a substantially straight, linear configuration, a circularconfiguration, a hook shaped configuration, and the like configurations.Advantageously, the device 210 has a structure, for example a sufficientweight or mass, to prevent the device 210 from rolling or otherwisebecoming inadvertently displaced, for example by water flow orconstruction site vehicle traffic.

When used in place of conventional sandbagging, the present devices 10,110, 210 have been found to be superior in filtering particulatematerial from a flow. The devices 10, 110, and 210 and systems 12 areuseful as sediment traps, for example, by catching coarse particlesbeing transported by small concentrated flows, for example in guttersand adjacent curbs. As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of devices 10 and/or110 may be placed against a curb 106 such that devices 10 and/or 110 arepositioned to provide at least a partial seal or obstruction against anunfiltered flow into the drain inlet 14. One or more of elongateddevices 210 may be utilized in a similar manner by simply configuringthe shape of the device 210 to at least partially, or substantiallyentirely, block a flow from entering a drain or other area in whichfiltering of a flow is desirable or necessary.

The devices 10, 110 and 210 and systems 12 can also be used as smallcheck dams, for example to reduce water velocity in a channel, therebyallowing some sediment particles to settle out of the flow. The devices10, 110 and 210 and systems 12 also effectively function to controlerosion below a slope and can be employed to divert flowing water awayfrom an unstable area to a more favorable drainage area. In largemeasure, the devices 10, 110 and 210 and systems 12 can be effectivelyused in many, or all, of the applications in which sandbags can beemployed. These are only a few of the possible applications for thepresent devices 10, 110, and 210 and systems 12, and it will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that there are manyother useful applications therefore.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show another embodiment of the invention, generally at310. Device 310 includes essentially the same features of devices 10,110, and 210, with a primary difference being that device 310 includesno granular material, but is designed to be fillable with a granularmaterial, for example, by an end user.

More specifically, device 310 is designed to facilitate shipment and/orstorage of the device and reduce costs associated therewith, by reducingthe bulkiness and weight of the device 310 relative to devices 10, 110,and 210.

Generally, sediment control device 310 comprises a fillable inner member314 structured to be effective in substantially confining a granularmaterial, the inner member 314 including a closed end (not shown) and aopenable, sealable portion 316 structured to enable filling of the innermember 314 with a granular material and subsequent containment of thegranular material therein. For example, inner member 314 may besubstantially bag-like in structure. The sealable portion 316 mayinclude hook and loop fastening strips 314 a, or another fasteningmechanism that is suitable for substantially confining the granularmaterial to be loaded into the inner member 314.

The device 310 further includes a compressible layer 322 substantiallysurrounding the inner member 314. The compressible layer 322 maycomprise a woven or nonwoven material. In some embodiments, thecompressible layer 322 comprises an erosion control blanket disposedaround the inner member 314 as shown in FIG. 8. In a specific embodimentof the invention, the compressible layer 322 comprises a non-wovenfibrous blanket 338, for example but not limited to a rolled, stitchedfibrous blanket which includes a primary layer 338 a of straw, wood, forexample aspen wood, coir, excelsior, other natural or synthetic fibers,and combinations thereof, and a monofilament netting layer 338 b securedto the primary layer 338 a.

The device 310 further includes an outer member 350 substantiallysurrounding the compressible layer 322, and including a substantiallysquared end portion 354 (for enhancing fit against a curb as describedelsewhere herein with reference to device 210), and a sealable, openableportion 358. As shown in FIG. 7, the sealable portion 358 is preferablypositioned adjacent, for example, is substantially aligned with, theinner member sealable portion 316 in order to facilitate filling andclosing of the device 310. The outer member sealable portion 358 maycomprise a hook and loop strip or other suitable fastening mechanism. Inan exemplary embodiment of the invention, the inner member 314 and outermember 350 are both comprised of the same geotextile material.

Preferably, each of the inner member 314, compressible layer 322 andouter member 350 are separable, individually made components. The innermember 314 is removable, or separable from the outer member 350. Forexample, the device 310 may be structured such that the inner member 314can be easily removed from the outer member 350 in an intact conditionwithout losing its bag-like structure. For example, the inner member314, and compressible layer 322 may be removed from the outer member 350through the outer member openable portion 358. Further, the compressiblelayer 322 is also separable and removable from the outer member 350. Forexample, the compressible layer 322 may enwrap the inner member 314without being sewn or otherwise bound thereto.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-sectional view of device 310 after the device310 has been filled with a desired granular material 362 and is readyfor use.

Turning now to FIG. 10, the present invention further provides a package412 of sediment control products, the package 412 comprising a pluralityof sediment control products, preferably device 310, and a container415, for example a shipping container, containing the products 310, forexample, in a stacked fashion. The package 412 is advantageous infacilitating shipment and/or storage of erosion control products thatare intended to be filled and used at a later time or distant place.

Turning now to FIG. 11, another sediment control device in accordancewith the invention is shown generally at 510. Device 510 is similar todevice 310 shown in FIG. 8, with the primary difference being thatdevice 510 further comprises a reinforcement layer 52. In addition,device 510 does not include compressible layer 322.

In this specific embodiment, device 510 includes an outer layer, orouter bag 54, and an inner layer, or inner bag 56 both made of a porous,weatherable material, for example, a geotextile material. In a specificembodiment, outer layer 54 and inner layer 56 both comprise a highdensity polyethylene material with an 85% UV rating. A suitablepolyethylene material is marketed under the name Sun Screen Fabric andis available from Easy Gardner Products, Ltd and other suppliers. Thereinforcement layer 52 is located between the inner layer 56 and theouter layer 56.

The device 510 includes an end 57 with a sealable opening. Gravel, rocksor other granular material is loaded into the opening prior to use ofthe device for sediment control. The end 57 may be provided with 2″strips of hook and loop fastening strips 57a such as Velcro®. In aspecific embodiment, the reinforcement layer 52 comprises an extrudedpolymer grid. More specifically, the reinforcement layer may comprise amaterial marketed under the name Vexar® Plastic Sheet Netting—ModelL-30, having Mesh size 5/16″× 5/16″. Other suitable high strengthmaterials are also contemplated.

The device 510 may be constructed using the following technique. Twoidentical rectangular pieces of material for forming the inner layer 56and outer layer 54 are provided and are sewn together at opposing endsalong with the hook Velcro® portion at one end and the loop Velcro®portion on an opposing end. The longer opposing sides are left open andthe reinforcement layer, for example, a rectangular sheet of Vexar®Plastic Sheet Netting having dimensions slightly smaller than the firstand second layers of material is then placed in between the inner layer56 and the outer layer 54. The two opposite shorter ends having theVelcro in place are then joined together via the Velcro connection. Withthe inner layer 54 and the outer layer 56 and Vexar® Plastic SheetNetting folded once to create the final item shape, inner layer 54 andouter layer are then sewn together to form longitudinal seams at seamportions 58 by running the joined layers through a 4-thread, 2-needleindustrial sewing machine, thereby sealing each opposing side with thereinforcement layer 52 in between inner layer 56 and the outer layer 54.

In one aspect of the invention, the reinforcement layer 52 forms a gap62 at opposing longitudinal edges thereof, the gap being generallyaligned with the longitudinal seam portion 58. This is shown mostclearly in the cut-away portion of FIG. 11. Like device 310, device 510is designed to be filled with a gravel material and is used for erosioncontrol and/or filtering of runoff water passing through the device 510.The gap 58 allows for a degree of stretching of the gravel-filled device510 and may prevent tearing thereof, for example, in instances where thedevice 510 is in use in an active construction zone and the device 510is likely to be impacted by heavy machinery and construction equipment.The gap 58 may have a width in a range of about one inch and about 0.5inch.

Generally, the reinforcement layer 52 provides a puncture resistant,high strength material that prevents the gravel within the device fromtearing through the device 510. The gap in the reinforcement layer iseffective to facilitate impact absorption by enabling stretching of thefilled bag.

Turning now to FIG. 12, another embodiment 610 of the invention isshown. As shown, device 610 includes a compressible layer 622 inaddition to reinforcement layer 652. Compressible layer 622 may beidentical in structure to the compressible layer 322 described hereinwith respect to device 310. Reinforcement layer 652 may be made of thesame polymer grid material as reinforcement layer 52 described hereinwith respect to device 510. The reinforcement layer 652 may or may notform a gap as described with respect to device 510. Further, device 610is similar to device 310 in that device 610 includes an inner bag 614having sealable/openable portion 616, and outer bag 650 havingsealable/openable portion 658. In this particular embodiment, inner bag614 and outer bag 650 are separable from one another.

While this invention has been described with respect to various specificexamples and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention isnot limited thereto and that it can be variously practiced within thescope of the following claims.

1. A sediment control device comprising: a fillable bag including anopenable portion for enabling filling of the bag with a granularmaterial, and a longitudinal seam portion extending along a length ofthe bag, the bag comprising an inner layer; an outer layer locatedoutwardly of the inner layer; and a reinforcement layer disposed betweenthe inner layer and the outer layer and including opposing longitudinaledges separated from one another by a gap in the reinforcement layer,the gap being effective to facilitate stretching of the fillable bag. 2.The device of claim 1 wherein the gap is generally aligned with the seamportion.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the reinforcement layer isless stretchable than at least one of the inner layer and the outerlayer.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the inner layer and the outerlayer are made of the same material.
 5. The device of claim 1 furthercomprising a compressible layer disposed between the inner layer and theouter layer.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein the reinforcement layercomprises a polymer grid material.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein thereinforcement layer comprises an extruded polymer grid material.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first layer and the secondlayer comprises a woven material.
 9. The device of claim 1 furthercomprising a fastening mechanism for enabling sealing of the openableportion.
 10. The device of claim 1 wherein the fastening mechanismcomprises a hook and loop fastening mechanism.
 11. The device of claim 1wherein the inner member openable portion comprises a hook and loopfastening mechanism.
 12. The device of claim 1 further comprising acompressible layer disposed between the outer layer and the inner layer.